Kids’ research and development house Dubit has teamed with K’NEX to launch a new VR rollercoaster-building app.

The virtual reality experience will allow kids to design their own digital rollercoaster, ride it, test it and then build a physical toy version from K’NEX construction kits.

It has been developed with the aim of giving kids the chance to experience the thrill of riding the K’NEX Thrill Rides roller coaster building sets for themselves. The VR technology makes this possible, while allowing them to create their own rides and invent new designs.

Matthew Warneford, co-founder of Dubit, said: “We realised that once we developed a way for kids to ride the K’NEX rollercoaster set in VR, we could also let them loose on the product, reformat it, add new twists and turns, test how exciting it was by virtually riding their coaster, refine their design and then construct their own version on their bedroom floor.

“It’s a really great practical application of VR that puts kids in control.”

The K’NEX Ride It app comes free with the rollercoaster construction kit, and together with the K’NEX VR viewer, allows the user to experience the ride in 3D.

Joseph Smith, chief development officer at K’NEX, added: “We are delighted to announce this new digital extension to our Thrill Rides range of building sets. Our goal was to merge the physical building of K’NEX with the digital world that we know kids love to play in.

“Thanks to our partnership with Dubit, the K’NEX Ride It app now fully immerses kids into our Thrill Rides experience where their imaginations come to life in virtual and physical reality.

The Great LEGO Race is currently only in Boston, USA, however will be arriving at Manchester’s flagship attraction later this year where kids will be able to take part in an exhilarating new LEGO initiative.

The Copyrights Group is one of the licensing arms within The Vivendi Group. Acquired by Vivendi in 2016 Copyrights manages the licensing for a portfolio of properties to include Paddington Bear. Some of the other companies within the Vivendi Group include Universal Music Group, and their licensing arm Bravado, Gameloft and Studiocanal to name a few.